Standalone navigation systems, also known as HPIRS, are based on a high performance IMU (inertial measurement unit) manufactured by Thales. This product is packed with advanced technologies (Ring Laser Gyro - RLG) and delivers the performance needed for critical aviation, ground transport and maritime applications. TopAxyz high performance IMU comprises three laser gyroscopes and three accelerometers in a single, compact unit for guaranteed performance and an extended lifespan.
A unique architecture for very high performance
Its architecture is unlike any other in the world, with two data channels instead of the single channel used by other systems. A navigation channel is dedicated to attitude, heading, airspeed and position calculation. A second "stabilisation" channel is optimised to provide acceleration and rotation inputs with low time lag, low noise and no impact on the bandwidth needed by the fly-by-wire system or the visual sighting instruments and ancillaries.
Already on board Ariane 5, Mirage 2000 and A350 XWB
Thales began developing inertial navigation systems over 30 years ago, and numerous platforms rely on them today, from the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 fighters to the C-130 military transport, Tiger helicopter and Ariane 5 rocket. More recently, these systems have also been selected for the Airbus A350 XWB, ATR 72-600 and Embraer KC-390. In 2016, TopAxyz high performance IMU was selected for the Jaguar, French armoured vehicle.